How to Build an Amish Outdoor Brick Oven

Target a location. You need an area of flat concrete.

Spray all your firebricks with water 24 hours before use and allow to dry. This makes them more effective.

Mark out the dimensions of your oven with the chalk line. It can be as big or as small as you like, depending upon your available space.

Measure the width of a firebrick and mark this measurement inside the first line you made. Use the chalk line to make a second line, at this distance from the first, around the perimeter.

Mix the mortar and spread between the two chalk lines. Place a line of bricks along the mortar. Use a spirit level to ensure they are true.

Spread the area inside this perimeter of bricks with mortar and place firebricks over it until you have a solid layer as the base. Use a spirit level to ensure the layer is plumb.

Add layers of mortar and bricks until the structure reaches the height you want for the oven base. Though this is a matter of personal preference, you may want to make it high enough so you are not bending down too much to use the oven. Stagger the seams of each layer for a stronger wall.

Build perimeter walls around the back and sides of the oven, leaving the front open.

Cut a curved piece of plywood and use to create a dome over the top of the oven. Affix brick together across the plywood using mortar and allow to dry before removing the plywood guide.